Jeremy Tyler made history this season when he left his high school as a highly-touted senior prospect to play professionally in Europe. Now, he’s made history again by setting the record for the longest trip of shame back to the United States with his tail between his legs. Tyler has called it quits on playing in Israel, and won’t even complete the season with Maccabi Haifa.

I, for one, am shocked. You mean to tell me that a high school senior can’t compete on a professional level with grown men? Especially one accustomed to dominating high school opponents with his 6’11” frame and credible athleticism? No. Way.

Well, way. Tyler’s homeward bound, and his attempt to take the Brandon Jennings revolution one step further culminated in some unspectacular play against professional-level competition and plenty of frustration. I’m not sure what exactly Tyler expected; even weaker teams overseas are still filled with pro players, most of which trump Tyler in their experience as well as their ability to produce. The learning curve in any such situation is going to be awfully steep.

The question for Tyler should never have been which path would help him best prepare for NBA basketball. Rather, out of the options available, which most made sense for a player of Tyler’s physical, mental, and emotional maturity level. It’s not easy to go from the top prospect of your high school class to sitting three games on the bench without even suiting up. I can only imagine that this experience was an incredibly humbling one.

Now, less than a year after making his decision to forgo his senior season, it’s painfully obvious that Tyler and his family made the wrong choice. I’m sure that the high school competition wasn’t up to snuff, and all of the credit in the world goes to Jeremy for making the tough choice. This really could have worked out for him in the long run, but it wasn’t in the cards. The only trouble for him now is deciding where to go next.

His options are essentially limited to two: look for an opportunity to play elsewhere overseas or play domestically in the D-League. Playing for a pro team in Europe could really help Tyler’s development, but he’d face more of the same problems. I don’t see how the system would be significantly different than the one he’s once failed in, and that’s troubling. A jump back to the D-League would give Tyler another opportunity to play trailblazer, and would put him back in a comfort zone by playing and living in America again.

That may not be the best thing in turning him from a boy to a man, but it could be essential in grooming the skills of an elite basketball prospect while minimizing distractions.

Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. will undergo a minor procedure on his left thumb and miss the rest of the season, league sources told ESPN.

Oubre is expected to make a full recovery in four to six weeks, sources said.

This could be a blessing in disguise for Oubre, who’ll be a restricted free agent this summer. He ends his season on a high note on the court. There’s no opportunity for regression to the mean. This also isn’t an injury that will last long into the offseason.

The 23-year-old Oubre is a versatile defender. When his 3-pointer is falling, he looks really good. In a league that can’t get enough productive wings, he should draw a solid contract.

Kevin Durant gave you the nickname “Mr. Thunder.” Do you think the Thunder should eventually retire No. 35?

It’s their decision to make, but I would certainly think so. He’s meant a ton to Thunder basketball and spent a huge majority of his career here. A lot of these honors are just kind of what the team decides to do, and I think players are appreciative of them. I don’t get too worked up about it. I’ll let other people debate that, but to me, he’s a big part of what we did here.

The Thunder will probably retire Durant’s number. Time heals most wounds, likely including this one.

Durant spent eight seasons in Oklahoma City. He won MVP and made five All-NBA first teams and an All-NBA second team there. He helped the Thunder win 10 playoff series.

No matter when each player retires, Oklahoma City will almost certainly retire Russell Westbrook‘s number first. He’s the one who stayed.

But some time after that, I’d bet on Durant getting his number retired.

Covington has missed the last 34 games while recovering from a right knee bone bruise, originally suffered on December 31 at New Orleans. Covington had made improvements in his recovery and had progressed to on-court activities, in preparation to rejoin the team. However, he recently suffered a setback which will require further treatment before returning to the court and as a result, is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Rose has missed the last four games while experiencing soreness and swelling in his right elbow. An MRI taken Tuesday at Mayo Clinic Square revealed a chip fracture and a loose body in his elbow. The team and Rose are currently exploring further treatment options and he is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Teague has missed the last four games after reaggravating a left foot injury, originally suffered in December. On Tuesday, Teague received an injection designed to treat chronic inflammation. He will wear a boot and is scheduled to be reevaluated in approximately three weeks. He is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

The language – “expected to miss the remainder of the season” – allows the possibility of the players returning. But the Timberwolves wouldn’t set this expectation unless they were pretty certain the players were finished.

Covington deserved All-Star consideration, and maybe Minnesota would still be in the playoff mix if he remained healthy. He was also heading toward an All-Defensive team before getting hurt. I doubt 35 games, even at 34 minutes per game, will be enough to get him selected now. Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Draymond Green clearly belong ahead of him. Covington has an outside chance for that fourth spot, though.

Rose had a bounce-back year after it appeared he could fall out of the NBA entirely. He looks like a solid backup point guard. He’ll draw plenty of interest in free agency this summer.

Teague has a $19 million player option for next season. He already seemed likely to exercise it, and this only increases the odds. The 30-year-old had a relatively down season.

Teague’s and Rose’s absences will leave the ball in Tyus Jones‘ hands at point guard. Jones has looked good in a small role, and this offers him an opportunity to prove himself before restricted free agency this summer.

Importantly for Towns, Minnesota’s depth at point guard allows him to play with someone credible at the position while he attempts to finish the season strong. There’s a lot of room to produce for the Timberwolves now, though Towns will likely face double-teams even more frequently.